Maya was a catalyst for my entry into a regular yoga practice! After taking classes with her on the Big Island I decided to join a studio here in California where I live. It has really changed my life. Maya's classes are challenging but she's always making sure everyone is practicing in a way that is right for their body. In addition to the physical aspect of the class, Maya teaches yoga of the mind that we all need to keep us centered and feeling more at peace. Mahalo, Maya, and hope to see you soon! read more

We visited the island last week from Los Angeles and booked Maya for a private session at our home. It was one of the highlights of our trip and was so delightful. A few in our group had only done yoga a couple of times and Maya was excellent with providing level appropriate modifications for everyone. I was also delighted that Maya incorporates a little bit of reiki body work/aromatherapy into the practice, so it was a lovely little "happy ending." We found Maya to be warm, very friendly and approachable Communication back and forth with Maya was excellent from the get-go. We all felt so relaxed and stronger after the practice. Also, 2 of our friends did a big dive that same afternoon and stated the yog helped them so much get through the dive, as they were well stretched and stronger. I highly recommend booking Maya if you are on the Big Island, she is a gem!! read more

Hi There! Up to now I could count the number of yoga classes that I have taken on my fingers.I just figured that yoga just wasn't my thing. My sister in law treated me to an online class and now I am a regular! Being able to watch the video and retake the class via the video has really deepened my understanding of the postures and my body within the postures. I have enjoyed Maya's teachings so much that I recently booked a private online session. Who knew! Seriously Maya has the knack, the patience that allows anyone of any ability to enjoy yoga. read more

During a recent two month stay on the Big Island Hawaii. I had the great opportunity to practice yoga in several of Maya's classes (4 x per week). As a "yoga neophyte at age 61" (just 5 classes before meeting and practicing with Maya), I was seeking an accepting, yet challenging environment for my new found yoga journey. Maya was superb!!! She is warm, knowledgeable, effectively communicates and readily shares her expansive yoga expertise. At each yoga practice I participated, Maya innately understood exactly how best to bring me along (as well as whomever else was there on any given day), continually challenged me and individually assisted and corrected my poses (as needed). Maya holds regular early morning yoga practices on the Kohala Coast, at both the Mauna Kea Hotel and the Mauna Lani Hotel (each with very special beach side settings). If you are up for more of an advanced challenge, consider attending one of her Thursday morning studio practices in Hawi (which I did). Even though I struggled with some of the difficulty, Maya was always cognizant of my inherent flexibility limitations (due to prior sports surgeries) providing me with several pose options so I could always effectively participate (and enjoy), with the other more advanced yoga practitioners in the studio. There seem to be several yoga instructors on the Big Island of Hawaii (and I practiced with many of them on the days when Maya was unavailable). They were all caring and helpful. However, Maya Parish takes it to a completely different level. You won't be disappointed if you choose to practice with her. I am looking forward to returning to the Big Island and continuing my yoga practice and journey with Maya. MAHALO NUI LOA Maya... Michael H. read more

Maya is badass! I travel extensively & practice wherever I go. Maya is way up on my list. Get on it & study with her.

We loved, loved Maya's classes -- they were a highlight of our fab vacation on the Big Island. It's amazing what Maya can do in just a one hour class, teaching to all levels. I am not a big yogini, but Maya challenges me in ways that I can manage. For my wife, it leaves her feeling stronger and more flexible after a couple of classes. We both feel peaceful and relaxed in a profound way. Maya is a gifted teacher, a true gem, and we would return to Hawaii just to take classes with her. Our highest recommendation! read more

I was fortunate enough to practice yoga with Maya yesterday and wanted to write this review before I returned to the mainland. Maya was recommended to me by our host on the Big Island, so I checked out her website before our trip, liked what I saw, and contacted her through the link on the website. She responded right away and provided all the information I needed, including her precise availability and exactly how to book with her on the website. Shortly before my trip Maya had a family emergency so she called me personally to tell me she had to cancel one of our sessions but could still honor the other, and she offered alternate times to reschedule the cancelled session. I could only do one session with her due to the timing, but it was wonderful. The day before or session Maya texted to confirm. She arrived early and started right away after asking me my preferences, if I had any injuries, what areas I wanted to work on. What followed was a practice perfectly tailored to my needs. She gave me a practice that challenged me just beyond what I was accustomed to and also made it fun and interesting. We worked on all the areas of the body that I specified, and she made adjustments that improved my practice. I felt wonderful afterwards and the following day as well. Maya was thoroughly professional and a pleasure to work with. As much as I love my yoga instructors at home in LA, I would love to practice with her more often. I hope to get to practice with her again the mech time I'm in Hawaii. read more

Maya is amazing! She taught a semi-private class at Hualalai for 6 ladies. She connected with all of us and taught an amazing flow. I felt stronger and more at peace after the class. I highly recommend booking her on the Big Island and wish she taught at my yoga studio at home! read more

My friend organized for Maya to teach a class to a group of our friends at Hualālai, and I am so glad she did! Maya's authenticity and insight is inspiring. She is approachable, warm and inviting, intuitively meeting you where you are in your practice. I felt a strong sense of calm and well-being after the session, and the next day my my muscles were sore in the most satisfying way. It was an honor to meet such a kind person during my visit to Hawaii. :) read more

A friend recommended Ms Parish when I was in Kauai and I had the privilege of getting to know her style in a small group setting. I also took a larger group class with her in Kona (Big Island) and enjoyed that very much as well. I've been studying yoga for fifteen years, and I have come to see centeredness and generosity as key qualities for a yoga teacher. Maya has a wonderful balance of both of these, and an abundance of aloha spirit. She has a great "mat-side manner" which to me means that she is available for adjustments and questions, but knows how to give her students their own space to go deep. I recommend working with her if you get the chance. read more

As a frequent visitor to the islands, I try to find yoga teachers that will enhance and deepen my own home practice. I was delighted to meet Maya Parish and enjoy one of her studio practice sessions this morning. Maya's presence is both grounded and uplifting. I immediately sensed her profound care for each of us (and all of us) who had gathered in the room for much needed self-care. Maya's guidance made it possible for me to challenge myself, while she encouraged each student individually with her eyes on alignment and form. I highly recommend Maya to anyone searching for renewal and recharging through yoga on the Big Island. Find Maya in one of her locations, and you will be glad you did. Thank you, Maya, for shining your special light on this often mysterious world of ours. read more

Maya inspired me to get back into yoga after years off to pursue martial arts. She pushed me and inspired me and was a joy to work with during our private sessions while I was staying outside Hawi. I wish I could clone her for yoga back in Los Angeles. Thanks Maya and hope to work with you again. read more

I highly recommend Maya's yoga class. Maya's authenticity, positive spirit and energy are palpable upon meeting her. Whether you are new to yoga or more experienced, Maya creates a practice that meets you where you are. After her class I felt grounded, strong and relaxed. I look forward to taking more classes with her and would LOVE to do a retreat with her in the future. read more

I was so fortunate to hear about Maya's yoga classes through her website when we arrived on the big island of Hawaii. I experienced 5 weeks of the most amazing classes. It is obvious that Maya is passionate about yoga. She connects with her students from the first time they practice with her and she gently corrects each one of us so we are able to improve our practice. If you want to practice yoga while you are here, I highly recommend Maya! read more

I was so taken with Maya Parish after one class with her while on vacation in August 2016, that I followed her to three other classes at other locations that week. Maya had such a soothing and caring vibe and I wanted to stick with her the entire time I was in Hawaii. She was fun (and funny!) but also an expert yoga instructor who provided individualized attention to each and every student from beginner to ninja. Maya seemed to truly care about her students and I hope and expect that apart from us tourists, she has a loyal and happy following of permanent Hawaii residents (some of whom I met when I visited her lovely home studio.) Having just had rotator cuff surgery about six weeks before my trip, I was in search of a light, fun yoga class to restart my yoga practice without any pain or frustration. I googled "yoga near me" at the resort where I was staying and found Maya's Sunday morning class and her website. When I arrived, I was the first student and we chatted about my recent injury and the class being my first in over three months and my first since surgery. I was determined to return to yoga but a bit fearful of re-injuring myself so I needed to take it slow. Before class started, Maya took the time to show me modifications to avoid weight-bearing positions that would hurt my shoulder. In addition, she paid very close attention to me during class - every time I winced, she took notice and continued providing modifications and advice. I'm very happy I took Maya's classes and experienced her kind and generous spirit. read more

One of the best yoga instructors I've ever had. Challenging, instructive and encouraging teacher. If you're on the Big Island, make time for her class. read more

I heard about Maya's class from the resort I was staying at and took my first group class in a shaded, grassy spot overlooking the ocean. After years of sporadic yoga practice with many different instructors, it was the best group class I'd ever taken: challenging, original, soulful with a few well-placed adjustments. In my remaining week on the island I scheduled two private classes for me and my wife to fit our schedule, which we both enjoyed enormously, and have returned to our home on the mainland inspired to begin a more regular yoga practice. I only wish she could be our instructor here! read more

While vacationing with family on the Big Island, Maya led us in an intergenerational private class, nine of us from age 5 through 72. What a wonderful class! Gentle but authoritative, Maya led three age groups by offering modifications to the poses so our class was geared for our ages and yoga experience. I'm only sorry we didn't get in touch with Maya sooner - we would have asked her to come to us every day! read more

My wife booked a private lesson with Maya for us while we staying in Mauna Lani, I am so glad she did. Five of us took the class and we were all at different levels, Maya was able to work with all of us individually. If you are looking for a Yoga class with a great instructor look no further and book your class with Maya you will not be disappointed. Thank you so much for working with us Maya, it was a pleasure meeting you! read more